The First Lady’s Corner: ‘Lab for All’ Caravan in Navotas: A heartfelt initiative

The “Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat (Lab for All)” initiative in Navotas City, spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, has earned widespread praise from netizens for improving the public health and providing essential services to the most vulnerable Filipinos.

The caravan, held at the Navotas Sports Complex on Tuesday, offered free medical consultations, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures and free medicines to over 2,000 residents.

“Lab for All’ made its way to Navotas not just to bring healthcare services but to lend a helping hand through our private sector partners,” Mrs. Marcos said.

In a social media post on Wednesday, netizens lauded the First Lady for her hard work and compassion, with many emphasizing her genuine concern for the well-being of the Filipino people.

“A First Lady with a heart! Thank you for your dedication to improve the health of every Filipino!” one grateful commenter said in Filipino.

Another expressed their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your efforts in bringing medical services to everyone!”

Several others echoed the sentiment, acknowledging how the program was vital, especially to those who can’t afford traditional healthcare.

“Not everyone can afford treatment, so programs like this are so important. Thank you!” one commenter noted.

Another netizen coined the slogan “Lab for All, love for all.”

The event, part of the nationwide “Lab for All” initiative, addresses the healthcare gap in the country, providing a variety of free government services and assistance.

Scholarships, seeds

In addition to free medical services, it offers scholarship grants from the Commission on Higher Education, vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture, and legal services from the Public Attorney’s Office.

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco expressed his gratitude for the First Lady’s initiative, emphasizing its significance to the people.

He praised the First Lady for her hands-on approach and noted that programs like this are a proactive measure in preventive healthcare.

Aside from medical care, over 1,500 families received food assistance, including rice, food packs, and hot meals donated by government agencies and private companies.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office distributed Chritimba packs to the residents, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided family food packs.

In addition, free business mentoring services were made available to local entrepreneurs through GoNegosyo in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The “Lab for All” initiative highlights President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act 11223) which ensures that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare.